BCCI announces award in memory of Polly Kaka

New Delhi:BCCI President Sharad Pawar today expressed his deep distress at the demise of former Team India skipper Polly Umrigar and announced the institution of the 'Most Promising Cricketer of the Year' award in his memory.

''I am deeply distressed to learn that Polly Umrigar is no more, said shocked Pawar.

He was not only one of the all-time great cricketers of our time, but he has done much more to the game in various capacities even after his playing days were over. His contribution to the growth of cricket in the country in general and Mumbai in particular will forever be recalled,'' Mr Pawar said in a statement today.

''As a national selector, manager of the Indian team he had been hailed as a fair man with an incisive mind. He would figure in everyones all-time India team,'' he added.

The BCCI President described the former all-rounder as an ''unassuming gentleman'' and said the legendary cricketer's death came as a shock to him.

''An unassuming gentleman, he had been a regular at every major cricket game or function in Mumbai. None of us thought the end was no year as he had battled a terminal disease with fortitude,'' he said.

''He will be a great inspiration to the coming generations of cricketers in the country just as all of us admired him while he was playing. I on my own and the Boards behalf offer my condolences to the bereaved family,'' he added.

The Board already has the Under-15 tournament named after Umrigar. The Most Promising Cricketer of the Year from this season on will see the recipient will get a cheque of Rs five lakh.

Meanwhile, BCCI Secretary Niranjan Shah also offered his condolences to the former cricketer's family.

''His passing away will be inestimable lost to Indian Cricket,'' he said in a statement.